The next challenge for the Cowboys (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) is to maintain that intensity Saturday when lowly Kansas (2-6, 0-5) visits Stillwater.

They’ll need to avoid looking past the Jayhawks, with the Big 12 teams of Texas, No. 5 Baylor and No. 12 Oklahoma next on their schedule.

Along with a high-scoring offense, the Cowboys’ defense is ranked among the Big 12’s best in nearly every category. But they can’t get complacent.

“In order for us to reach our goal, which is to have a chance to win a conference championship, we certainly have to win this week,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “I’m hoping that the maturity we have in our room, that’s shown up in the last month, will help us.”

Meanwhile, Kansas is trying to salvage what could still be a promising season.

“This team will be remembered by what happens in the next four games,” Kansas coach Charlie Weis said. “We’re 2-6 right now. If we end up 2-10, it’s not going to be very good, is it? 3-9? A little bit better. 4-8? OK, that shows signs. 5-7? OK, things are getting better. 6-6? They start building a statue. But that really is the perspective.”

Here are five things to look for when Oklahoma State goes for its 22nd straight win at home against an unranked opponent:

1. EX-JAYHAWK: Cowboys senior cornerback Tyler Patmon faces his former team. After starting 32 games the last three years for Kansas, Patmon graduated and opted to enroll at OSU for one final year of eligibility. “He’s been a really big-impact player,” Gundy said. “We brought him in here to add some depth to our secondary, and he’s essentially a starter.”

2. THIRD-QUARTER BLUES: The Jayhawks have been outscored 69-31 in the third quarter this season, with several opponents breaking open close games en route to big wins. That happened against Texas last week, Oklahoma and TCU. “When the fans or when everyone else wants to harp on the negative,” Weis said, “what you have to do is show them a whole bunch of good plays and say, ‘Now that’s you.'”

3. SPECIAL DELIVERY: Oklahoma State senior Josh Stewart returned a punt 46 yards last week, setting up a key Cowboy touchdown in the third quarter. Stewart has already returned two punts for touchdowns and had another called back because of a penalty. “Our punt return unit has got so much confidence,” said Stewart, who leads the nation with 364 punt return yards. “We know it can change the game at any moment.”

4. PIERSON PLAYS?: The Jayhawks top receiver Tony Pierson should return this week after missing three games with a concussion. He dressed last week but didn’t play because he hadn’t practiced yet. Pierson, who still leads the team with 21 receptions and 327 yards, practiced this week. “I’m hoping he’s full-go this week,” Weis said.

5. JUST GO FOR IT: Twice against Texas Tech, the Cowboys faced fourth down situations from inside the 3-yard line. Instead of taking the easy field goal points, they went for it and scored touchdowns.